Transaction product with foldable sheet

ABSTRACT

A transaction product includes a first cover panel, a second cover panel, and an intermediate sheet, and an account identifier. The intermediate sheet transitions between a collapsed and an extended position and defines fold lines dividing the intermediate sheet into sections. When the intermediate sheet is in the collapsed position, the sections form a stack. The first cover panel is coupled with one of the sections that forms a top of the stack, and the second cover panel is coupled with another of the sections that forms a bottom of the stack. The account identifier is coupled with at least one of the first and second cover panels and the intermediate sheet and links the transaction product to an account or record configured to track a value available for use toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Other products, combinations, and associated methods are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/610,300, filed Oct. 31, 2009, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stored-value cards and other transaction products come in many forms. Agift card, for example, is a type of transaction product that includes apre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In one example, aconsumer buys a gift card having a specified value for presentation as agift to another person. In another example, a consumer is offered a giftcard as an incentive to make a purchase. A gift card, like othertransaction products, can be “recharged” or “reloaded” at the directionof the bearer. The balance associated with the gift card declines as thegift card is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retailer or otherprovider issuing the gift card. Additionally, the gift card generallyremains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as an advertisement orreminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cards and othertransaction products provide a number of advantages to both the consumerand the retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction productincluding a first cover panel, a second cover panel, and intermediatesheet, and an account identifier. The intermediate sheet is configuredto be repeatedly folded and unfolded to transition between a collapsedposition and an extended position. In the extended position, theintermediate sheet is substantially planar and sized substantiallylarger than a combined size of the first cover panel and the secondcover panel. The intermediate sheet defines a plurality of fold linesdividing the intermediate sheet into a plurality of sections. When theintermediate sheet is in the collapsed position, the plurality ofsections are provided in a stack. The first cover panel is coupled withone of the plurality of sections that forms a top of the stack, and thesecond cover panel is coupled with another of the plurality of sectionsthat forms a bottom of the stack. The account identifier is coupled withat least one of the first cover panel, the second cover panel, and theintermediate sheet. The account identifier links the transaction productto an account or record configured to track a value available for usetoward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Stored-valueproduct assemblies, methods of providing a transaction product, andother embodiments of stored-value or transaction products and associatedcombinations are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration of a transaction productassembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustration of a transaction product ofthe transaction product assembly of FIG. 1, according to one embodimentof the invention

FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the transaction product of FIG.2, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 2,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 2,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view illustration of the transaction product of FIG.2, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a right side view illustration of the transaction product ofFIG. 2, the left side view being a mirror image thereof, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustration of the transactionproduct of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of the transaction product of FIG. 2in an expanded configuration, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a front view illustration of a backer of the transactionproduct assembly of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a rear view illustration of the transaction product assemblyof

FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling atransaction product assembly, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of encouraging purchaseand facilitating use of a transaction product assembly, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a transactionproduct assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplaryin nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the applicationand uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to bebound by any theory presented in the preceding background of theinvention or the following detailed description of the invention.

A stored-value product or transaction product, such as a gift card orother financial transaction product, is adapted for making purchases ofgoods and/or services at, for example, a retail store or web site.According to one embodiment, an original consumer buys a transactionproduct to give a recipient who in turn is able to use it to pay forgoods and/or services. A transaction product, according to embodimentsof the present invention, provides means for entertaining and amusing inaddition to the ability to pay for goods and/or services.

For example, a transaction product includes two cover panels with afoldable intermediate sheet extending therebetween. When intermediatesheet is folded, the transaction product is provided in a generallyrectangular overall form factor where intermediate sheet does notradially extend beyond the edges of the two cover panels, which arepositioned opposite one another. The intermediate sheet unfolds suchthat transaction product takes on a substantially flat and planarconfiguration. In one embodiment, intermediate sheet is a game board,map, information sheet or other associated member. In one example, otheraccessory items associated with the game board are included in thetransaction product assembly such as game pieces, a spinner, etc. Inthis manner, transaction product provides amusing functionality inaddition to transactional functionality.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of atransaction product assembly 10. The transaction product assembly 10includes a transaction product 12 (e.g., a stored-value, gift, orcalling card or article) and a supporting backer 14. Transaction product12 is configured to be used toward the purchase and/or use of goodsand/or services and additionally provides non-transactionalfunctionality. For example, transaction product additionally providesone or more portions of a game such as a game board and/or a spinner fordirecting what moves players of the game should take. Backer 14 isconfigured to support transaction product 12 during retail display andgifting. In one embodiment, backer 14 additionally provides other gameaccessories such as game pieces, markers, etc. In other embodiments,transaction product 12 provides other non-transactional functionality,e.g., provides a map, directory, child activity items, etc. rather thanthe amusing game items as will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reading this application.

FIGS. 2-9 illustrate one embodiment of transaction product 12 includinga first cover panel 20 (i.e., top member), a second cover panel 22 (i.e.base member), and an intermediate member or sheet 24. First cover panel20 comprises a single layer or multiple layers of paper or plasticmaterial, for example, generally in the form of a relatively stiff butbendable/flexible card. Use of other materials is also contemplated.First cover panel 20 defines an outer surface 30 and an inner surface 32with an outer perimeter 34 generally shared by outer surface 30 andinner surface 32. In one embodiment, one or both of outer surface 30 andinner surface 32 are substantially planar. In one example, outerperimeter 34 is substantially rectangular in shape, however othersuitable outer perimeter shapes are equally acceptable.

According to one example, outer surface 30 includes directive fields 36positioned to extend radially outwardly from and collectively entirelyaround an aperture 38 defined through first cover panel 20. Each one ofdirective fields 36 provides instructions to a user regarding how theuser should interact with transaction product 12 when using transactionproduct 12 for non-transactional purposes. For example, whereintermediate sheet 24 provides a game board, each of directive fields 36indicates whether the user should move her game piece and how far theuser should move her game piece if the corresponding directive field 36is selected as will be further described below.

In one embodiment, outer surface 30 includes additional indicia such asdecorative indicia 40 and brand indicia 42. In one example, decorativeindicia 40 relate to a particular occasion, such as a wedding, new baby,graduation, holiday, season, brand identifier, media format identifieror other visual design to promote purchase of transaction product 12. Inone example, decorative indicia 40 relate to content on intermediatesheet 24 and/or may at least partially summarize or promote the contenton intermediate sheet 24. Brand indicia 42 identify a brand associatedwith transaction product 12 such as identifying a product brand, a storebrand, department, etc. In one example, brand indicia 42 identify astore or location configured to accept transaction product as paymenttoward a purchase of goods and/or services.

Second cover panel 22 comprises a single layer or multiple layers ofpaper or plastic material, for example, generally in the form of arelatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Use of other materials isalso contemplated. Second cover panel 22 defines an outer surface 50 andan inner surface 52 with an outer perimeter 54 generally shared by outersurface 50 and inner surface 52. In one embodiment, one or both of outersurface 50 and inner surface 52 are substantially planar. In oneexample, outer perimeter 54 is substantially rectangular in shape;however, other suitable outer perimeter shapes are equally acceptable.As illustrated, in one embodiment, first cover panel 20 and second coverpanel 22 are formed of a similar material and have similarly sized andshaped outer perimeters 34 and 54.

In one embodiment, outer surface 50 includes various indicia,demarcations, or other features. In one example, outer surface 50includes an account identifier 44 (e.g., FIG. 4) such as a barcode,magnetic strip, a smart chip or other electronic device, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) device or other suitable identifierreadily machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal or other accountaccess station or kiosk. Account identifier 44 indicates an account orrecord to which transaction product 12 is linked. The account or recordof the monetary or other balance on transaction product 12 optionally ismaintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keepingsystem or, in the case of “smart” cards for example, on a chip or otherelectronics or devices on transaction product 12 itself Accordingly, byscanning account identifier 44, the account or record linked totransaction product 12 is identified and can subsequently be activated,have amounts debited therefrom and/or have amounts added thereto.

In one embodiment, account identifier 44 includes a character string orcode 46 (e.g., a number and or letter string) configured to provideadditional security to the use of transaction product 12 and/orconfigured to be read by a bearer of transaction product 12 tofacilitate use of transaction product 12 for web site or other purchasesoutside of a brick-and-mortar type retail establishment. With the abovein mind, account identifier 44 is one example of means for linkingtransaction product 12 with an account or record, and scanning ofaccount identifier 44 is one example of means for activating or loadingvalue on transaction product 12. In one embodiment, account identifier44 is located on a portion of transaction product 12 other than outersurface 50 of second cover panel 22, for example, on first cover panel20 or intermediate sheet 24.

In one embodiment, redemption indicia 58 are included on transactionproduct 12, for example, on outside surface 50 of second cover panel 22.Redemption indicia 58 indicate that transaction product 12 is redeemablefor the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use, a value ofthe purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from the financialaccount or record linked to transaction product 12. In one embodiment,redemption indicia 58 include phrases such as “<NAME OF STORE> GiftCard”and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise or services at any ofour stores or at our web site,” and/or provides help or phone lineinformation in case of a lost, stolen or damaged stored-value card, etc.

In one embodiment, outer surface 50 of second cover panel 22 or anyother suitable portion of first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22includes an amount field or other personalization field configured to bewritten to by a consumer and/or retail store employee. In oneembodiment, amount field 60 is positioned and configured to provide anarea for the consumer or retail employee to write an amount or valueadded to transaction product 12 on initial activation. It should beunderstood that other indicia may be included on first cover panel 20and second cover panel 22, for example, instructional indicia,promotional indicia, additional decorative indicia, etc.

In one embodiment, transaction product 12 includes a spinner 66 or otherauxiliary member and a rivet or other suitable connection device 68. Inone example, spinner 66 is formed as a relatively planar member with anelongated form including an aperture 69 near a first end and a point 67or narrowed portion of spinner 66 near an opposite end of spinner 66.Spinner 66 is placed on outer surface 30 of first cover panel 20 soaperture 69 of spinner 66 aligns with aperture 38 of first cover panel20. Connection device 68 extends through aperture 69 of spinner 66 andaperture 38 of cover panel 20 to couple spinner 66 to cover panel 20. Inone embodiment, aperture 69 of spinner 66 is larger in diameter than atleast a primary shaft of connection device 68 such that upon coupling,spinner 66 is free to spin or rotate about connection device 68.

Intermediate sheet 24 is a substantially planar member made of one ormore layers of any suitable paper, plastic, microfiber fabric, orcomposite material configured to be readily folded and unfolded aplurality of times without easily tearing or otherwise beingsubstantially damaged. In one embodiment, intermediate sheet 24 is madeout a material similar to that commonly used for foldable maps, etc. Inone embodiment, intermediate sheet 24 is laminated to increasedurability.

Intermediate sheet 24 defines a front surface 70 and a rear surface (notshown) opposite the front surface and is divided into a plurality ofsections 92, which, in one example, are all substantially similar insize, by a plurality of fold lines 90. In one example, fold lines 90include lateral fold lines 90 a and longitudinal fold lines 90 b. Whenunfolded, intermediate sheet 24 is many times larger than either offirst cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 and, in one example, isat least about four times larger, for example, about twenty-four timeslarger than one of the plurality of sections 92. When fully folded aboutall fold lines 90, intermediate sheet 24 is configured to be the size(laterally and longitudinally) of one of the plurality of sections 92,but with an increased thickness. In one embodiment, each of theplurality of sections 92 is sized smaller than either first cover panel20 and second cover panel 22.

In one embodiment, front surface 70 is configured to provide a gameboard 74 configured for user interaction. More particularly, in oneexample, front surface 70 defines a game path 76 divided into aplurality of spaces 78 along the length of game path 76. Game path 76extends from a start 80 to a finish 82, which are each configured to beeasily identifiable due to indicia, demarcations, or other featuresemphasizing the position of start 80 and finish 82 on front surface 70.In one embodiment, other decorative indicia 84 are included to set thescene and/or establish a theme for game board 74. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, game board 74 is in the theme of wildlifecharacters, winter fishing, and other winter and/or aquatic-relatedactivities.

In one example, front surface 70 includes brand indicia 86, whichidentify a brand associated with transaction product 12 such asidentifying a product brand, a store brand, department, etc. In oneexample, brand indicia 42 identify a store or location configured toaccept transaction product 12 as payment toward a purchase of goodsand/or services. By incorporating brand indicia 86, transaction product12 serves as a continuous reminder and advertisement for the brand,store, department, etc. associated with transaction product 12 while theconsumer interacts with transaction product for non-transactionalpurposes.

First cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 are coupled withintermediate sheet 24 at opposite corners thereof, for example, usingadhesive. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, inner surface 32of first cover panel 20 is securely coupled to a portion of frontsurface 70 defined by a corner one of the plurality of sections 92 ofintermediate sheet 24, for example, the lower left corner ofintermediate sheet 24. Inner surface 52 of second cover panel 20 issecurely coupled to a portion of front surface 70 defined by an oppositecorner one of the plurality of sections 92 of intermediate sheet 24, forexample, the upper right corner of intermediate sheet 24. In thisembodiment, an even number of longitudinal fold lines 90 b (e.g., two inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9) are provided such that an oddnumber of sections 92 (e.g., three) are laterally formed along a width(i.e., the direction up and down in FIG. 9) of intermediate sheet 24. Inone embodiment, an odd number of lateral fold lines 90 a (e.g., seven inper the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9) are provided such that an evennumber of sections 92 are longitudinally formed along a length (i.e.,the direction side to side in FIG. 9) of intermediate sheet 24. In oneexample, each of the respective corner ones of the plurality of sections92 is centered relative to the respective first cover panel 20 and thesecond cover panel 22 as generally illustrated in dashed lines in FIG.8.

Once first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 are secured tointermediate sheet 24, intermediate sheet 24 is folded along fold lines90. In particular, intermediate sheet 24 is first folded in an accordionfashion (i.e., in alternating directions about adjacent fold lines)about lateral fold lines 90 a to form an elongated member having a widthequal to a width of one section 92 and a length equal to that of threesections 92. In this format, first cover panel 20 and second cover panel22 face in opposite directions (i.e., one forward and one rearward).

Next, intermediate sheet 24 is folded along longitudinal fold lines 90b. More specifically, intermediate sheet 24 is folded along the one oflongitudinal fold lines 90 b adjacent first cover panel 20 such thatfirst cover panel 20 faces in the same direction as second cover panel22 and so that the resulting partially folded intermediate sheet 24 isthe same height as two sections 92. In one embodiment, intermediatesheet 24 is then folded along the one of longitudinal fold lines 90 badjacent second cover panel 22 such that second cover panel 22 faces inan opposite direction as first cover panel 20, for example, asillustrated in FIGS. 2-7, in the final folded or collapsed configurationof transaction product 12.

In the final folded configuration, the overall width and length offolded intermediate sheet 24 is less than each of a width and a lengthof first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22. As a result,intermediate sheet 24 is substantially hidden from view when transactionproduct 12 is viewed from either a front perspective (e.g., FIG. 3) or arear perspective (e.g., FIG. 4). In one embodiment, tape, stickers, orother adhesive member(s) 98 each are applied to outer surface 30 offirst cover panel 20, extend around a side edge of transaction product12, and are applied to outer surface 50 of second cover panel 22 tomaintain transaction product 12 in the fully folded or collapsedposition until a consumer desires to unfold transaction product 12.

In one embodiment, first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22provide relatively rigid top and bottom cover for the intermediate sheet24. In one embodiment, the additional rigidity and the larger size offirst cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 as compared to the sizeof the stack formed by the folded intermediate sheet 24 substantiallyprotect intermediate sheet 24 from damage such as bent corners, rips,etc.

Upon assembly, transaction product 12 functions to both amuse consumersand/or recipients and to entice consumers to purchase transactionproduct 12. In particular, consumers are encouraged to purchasetransaction product 12 due to its added entertainment value. Inparticular, in one embodiment, transaction product 12 provides a fullyfunctional game in addition to the stored-value or similar transactionalfeatures of transaction product 12. For instance, intermediate sheet 24provides a game board 74 and first cover panel 20 includes a spinner 66with directive fields 36 for use to instruct a user how to interact withgame board 74. In the illustrated embodiments, game board 74 provides apath 76 with spaces 78 collectively defining the path 76 between start80 and finish 82. Directional fields 36 include numbers, for example,between one and four.

When a user flicks or otherwise moves spinner 66 to induce rotation ofspinner 66 about connection device 68, spinner 66 rotates aboutconnection device 68 until the induced energy is dissipated and spinner66 rests on one of directive fields 36. In response, a user moves hergame piece 124 (further described below) a number of consecutive spaces78 on path 76 equal to the number on the corresponding directional field36. Where multiple users interact with game board 74, the multiple userstake turns rotating spinner 66, moving their game piece 124 theappropriate number of spaces 78 along path 76 and performing anyaction(s) described on the space 78 where the user's game piece 124lands following such movements, etc. until one user reaches finish 82before the others and is declared the winner. Other various game boards,etc. may be implemented using intermediate sheet 24 as will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reading the present application. Forexample, intermediate sheet 24 may provide a map, chart(s), or any othersuitable items well suited for use in a substantially planar state andfor compact storage during periods of non-use.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a carrier or backer 14 supporting transactionproduct 12 (FIGS. 1-6). Backer 14 comprises a single layer or multiplelayers of paper or plastic material, for example, generally in the formof a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Use of other materialsis also contemplated. As such, backer 14 defines a first or frontsurface 110 (FIG. 11) and a second or rear surface 112 (FIG. 12).Transaction product 12, which is generally represented in phantom linesin FIG. 11 for illustrative purposes (e.g., to allow for full viewing offront surface 110), is readily releasably attached to backer 14, forexample, by adhesive, blister packaging, overlying skinning material orthe like, such that transaction product 12 with backer 14 collectivelydefine a transaction product assembly 10.

Backer 14 displays indicia, graphics or text information including storelogo(s), store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions,brand indicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonalindicia, media format identifiers, characters and/or other information.The various indicia may be included on one or more of front and rearsurfaces 110 and 112. In one example, the indicia include one or more ofredemption indicia 114, instructional indicia 116, message field indicia118, brand indicia 120, decorative indicia 122, etc.

Redemption indicia 114 indicate that transaction product 12 isredeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that upon use,a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from thefinancial account or record linked to transaction product 12. In oneembodiment, redemption indicia 114 include phrases such as “<NAME OFSTORE> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise orservices at any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides helpor phone line information in case of a lost, stolen or damagedtransaction product 12, etc.

Instructional indicia 116 include any indicia generally referring to howtransaction product 12 can be used for purposes other than valueredemption. For example, indicia 116 may instruct the bearer that a gameboard 74 is included with transaction product 12 and may provideexamples or instruction for such interaction. Other instructionalindicia 116 are also contemplated.

Message field indicia 118 for example include “to,” “from” and “amount”fields are configured to be written to by the bearer of transactionproduct assembly 10 prior to presenting transaction product assembly 10to a recipient. As such, message field indicia 118 facilitate theconsumer in preparing transaction product assembly 10 for gifting to arecipient.

Brand indicia 120 identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/orservices associated with transaction product 12. Any decorative indicia122, which may be similar to or coordinate with indicia of transactionproduct 12, may also be included on backer 14. Any of indicia 114, 116,118, 120, 122 or other indicia optionally may appear anywhere on backer14 or transaction product 12. Additional information besides thatspecifically described and illustrated herein may also be included.

In one example, backer 14 forms additional items such as auxiliary oraccessory items configured for use with intermediate sheet 24. Forinstance, where intermediate sheet 24 provides a game board 74, backer14 includes accessory items in the form of game tokens or pieces 124. Inone example, a perforation 126 is formed as a closed shape to define onegame piece therein such that game piece 124 can relatively easily beremoved from a remainder of backer 14 without using tools. In oneembodiment, backer 14 forms multiple game pieces 124 and/or otheraccessory items to be used when interacting with intermediate sheet 24and the content and/or activities defined thereon.

In one embodiment, backer 14 includes a window or opening 130 fordisplaying account identifier 44 of transaction product 12 asillustrated in FIG. 12. As previously described, account identifier 44is adapted for accessing an account or record associated withtransaction product 12 for activating, loading or debiting value fromthe account or record. Accordingly, in one embodiment, opening 130allows access to account identifier 44 to activate and/or loadtransaction product 12 without removing transaction product 12 frombacker 14.

In one embodiment, backer 14 defines a hanging aperture 132 configuredto receive a support arm or hook, such that transaction product assembly10 can be hung from a rail or rack within the retail setting orelsewhere to facilitate display of transaction product assembly 10.According to one embodiment, FIG. 12 illustrates surfaces of backer 14that will be supported on a rack or other fixture while FIG. 11illustrates surfaces of backer 14 that will be visible to a consumer ofa retail store who is considering the purchase of transaction productassembly 10. Other backers, such as foldable backers (not shown), can beused with various sizes and shapes of transaction products 12.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 200 ofassembling transaction product 12. At 202, first cover panel 20 andsecond cover panel 22 are provided. In one embodiment, providing firstcover panel 20 at 202 includes coupling spinner 66 or other accessorymembers thereto. For example, aperture 69 of spinner 66 is aligned withaperture 38 of first cover panel 20 and connection device 68 (e.g., aplastic or metal rivet) is placed therethrough to couple spinner 66 tofirst cover panel 20. In one example, aperture 38 is larger than themain shaft of connection device 68, but not a head of connection device68 such that spinner 66 is able to freely rotate around connectiondevice 68, but remains coupled to first cover panel 20 between firstcover panel 20 and the head of connection device 68. At 204,intermediate sheet 24 is provided in a form similar to that describedabove.

At 208, one of first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 is coupledto each of opposite corners of intermediate sheet 24, more specifically,to each of opposite corner ones of the plurality of sections 92. In oneembodiment, first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 are eachcoupled to portions of front surface 70 of intermediate sheet 24 suchthat the corresponding corner section 92 is centered relative to therespective one of first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22. Then,at 210, intermediate panel 24 is folded about fold lines 90 into afolded stack of sections 92, and first cover panel 20 and second coverpanel 22 are secured to one another to remain in a folded or compactedposition. For example, transparent or translucent stickers 98 areapplied to and extend between first cover panel 20 and second coverpanel 22 to prevent inadvertent unfolding or expansion of transactionproduct 12, more particularly, intermediate sheet 24. Although describedabove as folding intermediate sheet 24 after first cover panel 20 andsecond cover panel 22 have been attached thereto, in one embodiment,first cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 are coupled to opposingcorner ones of the plurality of sections 92 of intermediate sheet 24when intermediate sheet 24 is folded. This alternate timing for couplingfirst cover panel 20 and second cover panel 22 to intermediate sheet 24is facilitated by the fact that, in one embodiment, the opposite cornerones of the plurality of sections 92 are positioned at the bottom andtop of the folded stack of the plurality of sections 92 whenintermediate sheet 24 is fully folded (e.g., FIG. 8). In particular,portions of front surface 70 defined by the opposite corner ones of theplurality of sections 92 face outwardly away from a remainder ofintermediate sheet 24 when intermediate sheet 24. When transactionproduct 12 is assembled, outer surfaces 30 and 32 of first cover panel20 and second cover panel 22, respectively, face outwardly away from oneanother and a remainder of transaction product 12.

Backer 14 is provided at 214. In one embodiment, providing backer 14includes providing one example of means for supporting transactionproduct 12 and providing game pieces 124 or other accessory items formedintegrally therewith. Then, at 216, collapsed (i.e., folded) transactionproduct 12 is coupled with backer 14 to form transaction productassembly 10. In particular, outer surface 50 of second cover panel 22 iscoupled to backer 14 with releasably adhesive such that accountidentifier 54 on outer surface 50 is aligned with and viewable throughopening 130. In this arrangement, account identifier 44 of transactionproduct 12 is accessible for scanning while transaction product 12 iscoupled with backer 14.

Other suitable methods of coupling backer 14 with transaction product 12may additionally or alternatively be used such as use of an overlyingtransparent or translucent skinning material, coupling members, etc. aswill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the presentapplications. In one embodiment, where a coupling method is used thatdoes not cover spinner 66, transaction product assembly 10 is providedfor retail display in a manner allowing potential consumers to interactwith spinner 66 before buying transaction product 12, which amuses thepotential consumer and encourages the potential consumer to buytransaction product 12.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 220 ofencouraging purchase and facilitating use of transaction product 12 byconsumers and/or recipients. At 222, transaction product 12 is placed onor hung from a rack, shelf or other similar device to displaytransaction product 12 for sale to potential consumers. For example,additionally referring to FIGS. 1, 10, and 11, backer 14 may be hungfrom a display rack using aperture 132 such that transaction product 12is readily visible to potential consumers. In one embodiment, adepiction of transaction product 12 is placed on a web site for viewingby potential consumers. In one embodiment, decorative indicia 122includes a miniature depiction of front surface 70 of intermediate sheet24 so that potential consumers can see what they are receiving when theyare purchasing without expanding transaction product 12.

At 224, a consumer who has decided to purchase transaction product 12presents transaction product 12 on backer 14 to a retail store employee,retail store kiosk, remote terminal or other person or device to scanaccount identifier 44 using a machine, such as a kiosk or point-of-saleterminal, to access an account or record linked to account identifier44. In particular, account identifier 44 is scanned or otherwiseaccessed, for example through opening 130 of backer 14 to activatetransaction product 12. Upon accessing the account or record, then, at226, value is added to the account or record in the form of monetaryvalue, points, minutes, etc. Thus, transaction product 12 is activatedand loaded.

In one example, a predetermined value is associated with transactionproduct 12 (i.e., associated with the account or record linked totransaction product 12 via account identifier 44) prior to activationand display, but such predetermined value is not initially available foruse toward the purchase or use of goods and/or services. In such anembodiment, at 224, transaction product 12 is activated to permitsubsequent access to the predetermined value (e.g., subsequent loadingon and debiting from the account or record) and no additional value isadded during activation such that operation 336 may be eliminated.

Once transaction product 12 is activated and loaded, transaction product12 can be used by the consumer or any other bearer of transactionproduct 12 to purchase goods and/or services at the affiliated retailsetting (e.g., a retail store or web site) or can be used in exchangefor calling minutes, etc. In one embodiment, where transaction product12 is displayed on a web site at 222, then, at 224, transaction product12 may be activated in any suitable method and may not require thephysical scanning of account identifier 44 to be activated or tootherwise access the associated account or record such as at 226.

In one example, at 228, the retail store or other affiliated retailsetting or web site accepts transaction product 12 as payment toward thepurchase of goods and/or services made by the current bearer oftransaction product 12. In particular, the value currently loaded ontransaction product 12 (i.e., stored or recorded in the account orrecord linked to account identifier 44) is applied toward the purchaseof goods and/or services. At 230, additional value is optionally loadedon transaction product 12 at a point-of-sale terminal, kiosk or otherarea of the retail store, retail web site, or other related setting.Upon accepting transaction product 12 as payment at 228, the retailstore or related setting can subsequently perform either operation 228again or operation 230 as requested by a current bearer of transactionproduct 12. Similarly, upon loading additional value on transactionproduct 12 at 230, the retail store or related setting can subsequentlyperform either operation 230 again or operation 228. In one example, theability to accept transaction product 12 as payment for goods and/orservices is limited by whether the account or record associated withtransaction product 12 has any value stored or recorded therein at thetime of attempted redemption.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 250 ofusing transaction product 12 (e.g., FIGS. 1-9). At 252, a potentialconsumer of transaction product 12, which is displayed in a retail storeor viewed on a web site, decides to and does purchase transactionproduct 12 from the retail store or web site. It should be understoodthat transaction product 12 can be displayed and purchased alone or aspart of transaction product assembly 10 (FIG. 1) along with backer 14.Upon purchasing transaction product 12, a retail store employee, aretail store kiosk or other person or device scans account identifier 44(FIGS. 4 and 11) through opening 130 of backer 14 or otherwise reads oraccesses account identifier 44. Upon accessing account identifier 44,the account or record linked to account identifier 44 is accessed andactivated to load value onto transaction product 12 (i.e., load value tothe account or record associated with transaction product 12). In oneembodiment, such as where transaction product 12 is purchased at 252 viaa web site, actual scanning or other mechanical detection of accountidentifier 44 may be eliminated and/or manual input of code 46 may beadded.

At 254, the consumer optionally gives transaction product 12 to arecipient, such as a graduate, relative, friend, expectant parents, onehaving a recent or impending birthday, a couple having a recent orimpending anniversary, etc. In one embodiment, a plurality oftransaction product assemblies 10 are purchased and given to partygoers, such as at a birthday party, etc. as party favors or gifts. As analternative, the consumer can keep transaction product 12 for his or herown use thereby eliminating operation 254.

At 256, the consumer, recipient or other current bearer of transactionproduct 12 interacts with transaction product 12. In one embodiment,playing or otherwise interacting with transaction product 12 at 256includes removing transaction product 12 from backer 14, removingstickers 98 from transaction product 12, unfolding intermediate sheet24, removing game pieces 124 from a remainder of backer 14, placing gamepieces 124 on path 76 of intermediate sheet 24, advancing game pieces124 based on interaction with spinner 66, and/or any other suitableinteraction with the non-transactional features of transaction product12.

At 258, the consumer or recipient redeems transaction product 12 forgoods and/or services from the retail store or web site. At 260, theconsumer or recipient of transaction product 12 optionally adds value totransaction product 12, more particularly, to the account or recordassociated with account identifier 44 included therewith, at the retailstore or over the Internet (i.e., via the web site). Upon playing withtransaction product 12 at 256, redeeming transaction product 12 at 258,or adding value to transaction product 12 at 260, the consumer orrecipient of transaction product 12 subsequently can perform either ofoperations 256, 258, or 260 as desired. In one embodiment, the abilityof the consumer or recipient to repeat redeeming transaction product 12at 258 is limited by whether the account or record linked withtransaction product 12 has any remaining value stored or recordedtherein at the time of attempted redemption.

Although primarily described above as occurring at a single retail storeor web site, in one embodiment, purchasing transaction product 12 at252, redeeming transaction product 12 at 258, and adding value totransaction product 12 at 260, can each be performed at any one of anumber of stores adapted to accept transaction product 12 or over theInternet. In one example, a number of stores are each part of a chain orare similarly branded stores. In one example, a number of stores includeat least one web site and/or at least one conventional brick and mortarstore.

Transaction cards and other products come in many forms, according toembodiments of the invention. The gift card, like other transactionproducts, can be “re-charged” or “re-loaded” at the direction of theoriginal consumer, the gift recipient or a third party. The term“loading on” or “loaded on” herein should be interpreted to includeadding to the balance of an account or record associated with atransaction card. The balance associated with the transaction carddeclines as the transaction card is used, encouraging repeat visits oruse. The transaction card remains in the user's purse or wallet, servingas an advertisement or a reminder to revisit the associated merchant.Gift cards according to embodiments of the invention provide a number ofadvantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other gift cards andtransaction cards according to embodiments of the invention includeloyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates,calling cards, employee cards, frequency cards, prepaid cards and othertypes of cards associated with or representing purchasing power,monetary value, etc.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only andshould not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternativesand other modifications within the scope of the invention in its variousembodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

1. A transaction product comprising: a first cover panel; a second coverpanel; an intermediate sheet configured to be repeatedly folded andunfolded to transition between a collapsed position and an extendedposition, wherein: in the extended position, the intermediate sheet issubstantially planar and sized substantially larger than a combined sizeof the first cover panel and the second cover panel; the intermediatesheet defines a plurality of fold lines dividing the intermediate sheetinto a plurality of sections, when the intermediate sheet is in thecollapsed position, the plurality of sections are provided in a stack,the first cover panel is coupled with one of the plurality of sectionsthat forms a top of the stack, and the second cover panel is coupledwith another of the plurality of sections that forms a bottom of thestack; and an account identifier coupled with at least one of the firstcover panel, the second cover panel, and the intermediate sheet, theaccount identifier linking the transaction product to an account orrecord configured to track a value available for use toward a purchaseof one or more of goods and services.
 2. The transaction product ofclaim 1, wherein the account identifier is a bar code.
 3. Thetransaction product of claim 1, wherein the account identifier includesat least one of a bar code, a magnetic strip, a smart chip, and a radiofrequency identification (RFID) device.
 4. The transaction product ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sections is similarly sizedand shaped.
 5. The transaction product of claim 1, wherein theintermediate sheet defines a first surface, and each of the first coverpanel and the second cover panel is coupled to the first surface of theintermediate sheet.
 6. The transaction product of claim 1, wherein thefirst cover panel covers an entirety of the one of the plurality ofsections defining the top of the stack, and the second cover panelcovers an entirety of the one of the plurality of sections defining thebottom of the stack.
 7. The transaction product of claim 1, wherein thefirst cover panel and the second cover panel are only indirectly coupledto one another.
 8. The transaction product of claim 1, wherein when theintermediate sheet is in the extended position, the one of the pluralityof sections that forms the top of the stack and the one of the pluralityof sections that forms the bottom of the stack are in opposite cornersof the intermediate sheet.
 9. The transaction product of claim 1,further comprising an auxiliary member movably coupled with the firstcover panel opposite the intermediate sheet.
 10. The transaction productof claim 9, wherein the first cover panel includes directive fieldscircumferentially spaced from one another, and the auxiliary member is aspinner rotatably connected to the first cover panel, and upon userinteraction with the spinner, the spinner is configured to spin aboutits connection to the first cover panel to select one of the directivefields.
 11. The transaction product of claim 9, wherein the accountidentifier is fixedly connected to the second cover panel opposite theintermediate sheet.
 12. The transaction product of claim 9, wherein theintermediate sheet defines a first surface, each of the first coverpanel and the second cover panel is coupled to the first surface, andthe first surface defines a game board.
 13. The transaction product ofclaim 1, wherein: the intermediate sheet defines a first surface, eachof the first cover panel and the second cover panel is coupled to thefirst surface, the first surface defines a game board, and thetransaction product is provided in combination with a backer, the backerintegrally defines one or more game pieces configured to interact withthe game board, and each of the one or more game pieces is configured tobe readily removed from a remainder of the backer.
 14. The combinationof claim 13, wherein: the first cover panel includes directive fieldscircumferentially spaced from one another, and the transaction productincludes a spinner rotatably connected to the first cover panel, andupon user interaction with the spinner, the spinner is configured tospin about its connection to the first cover panel to select one of thedirective fields that instructs a user to move the one or more gamepieces relative to the game board in a specified manner.
 15. Astored-value assembly comprising: means for providing a substantiallyplanar game board, the means for providing the substantially planar gameboard being configured to repeatedly transition from an expandedposition to a stacked position; means for increasing rigidity of thestored-value assembly by providing top and bottom covers for the meansfor providing the substantially planar game board when the means forproviding the substantially planar game board is in the stackedposition; means for directing a user how to interact with thesubstantially planar game board, the means for directing being rotatablycoupled with the means for increasing rigidity opposite the means forproviding the substantially planar game board; and means for linking themeans for increasing rigidity to one of a record and an accountconfigured to store value available for use toward a purchase of one ormore of goods and services.
 16. The stored-value assembly of claim 15,wherein the means for increasing rigidity includes a top portion and abottom portion entirely separated from one another, the means forproviding the substantially planar game board is larger than a combinedsize of the top portion and the bottom portion.
 17. The stored-valueassembly of claim 16, wherein the means for providing the substantiallyplanar game board defines a plurality of laterally and longitudinallyextending fold lines dividing the means for providing the substantiallyplanar game board into a plurality of sections, and when means forproviding the substantially planar game board is in the stackedposition, the plurality of sections are provided in a vertical stack.18. The stored-value assembly of claim 17, wherein: the top portion ofthe means for increasing rigidity is coupled with one of the pluralityof sections that forms a top of the stack, and the bottom portion of themeans for increasing rigidity is coupled with another of the pluralityof sections that forms a bottom of the stack.
 19. The stored-valueassembly of claim 15, further comprising means for supporting the meansfor increasing rigidity and for removably coupling the means forincreasing rigidity with a retail display, wherein the means ofsupporting provides integral means for interacting with thesubstantially planar game board, and the means for interacting isconfigured to be removed from a remainder of the means for supportingwithout using tools.
 20. A method of encouraging purchase and facilitateuse of a transaction product, the method comprising: providing thetransaction product including a foldable sheet configured to transitionbetween a substantially planar position and a folded stack position, abase panel coupled with the foldable sheet, and a top panel coupled withthe foldable sheet such that the base panel and the top panel arepositioned opposite and entirely spaced from one another when thefoldable sheet is in the folded stack position, the transaction productincluding an account identifier fixedly connected to one of the foldablesheet, the base panel, and the top panel, the account identifier linkingthe transaction product to one of an account or a record configured totrack a value available toward a purchase of one or more of goods andservices; supporting the transaction product on a retail display; andusing a point-of-sale terminal to access and activate the record or theaccount based on a mechanical reading of the account identifier by thepoint-of-sale terminal so that the value of the account or the record isavailable for application toward the purchase of the one or more ofgoods and services.